[2022] NZEnvC 053 G & T Family Trust v Western Bay of Plenty District Council [pdf, 257 KB]
...the classification of an “extreme case” required to displace the principle that costs are unlikely to be awarded where an appeal is resolved without a hearing. It considers that its conduct was far from unreasonable; rather, its process was careful and considered to ensure fairness, accuracy and transparency in its decision making. Accordingly, Ms Hill submits that the Council did not breach any duty in its conduct of the appeal, therefore an award of costs is not warranted....